PASSED council vote 2-2 with one abstention Mayor Bruce Hopkins voting YES to break tie in council. Jim Hedrick, Bradley Huson voting affirmative, voting no Dan Albertson, Wayne Stebner, abstaining Jane Hunt.
Congratulations RUSTON, nothing's gonna stop us now.
Brief summary of one hour study session.
Rob White, Town Planner gives presentation
Dan - usual litany, 35 feet height limitation, obstruct views of substantial number of residents, statutes, slope, natural level of land not after buildup causes higher elevation, grade of slope 2.75 percent, 56 findings of fact, problems with drafting language, Weiss report, council last line of defense, critical obligation, stair stepping, make our own finding of fact, need more review and finally each council person needs to read every finding of fact, lawsuits may result, we haven't taken testimony, make our own finding of fact, need more review, is it appropriate to accept? (it amounts to micro managing already fully managed project)
Gary Pedersen for Point Ruston top of rap wall, permit shows finished grade 21 feet or down to sea level, in zoning code, remediated land referring to natural level of land not pertinent in this case, same as Tacoma, state statute, no forests or vegetation on site.
Bill Lynn lawyer for Point Ruston below natural state of land, contaminated soil removed to OFC (offsite containment) , designated exception, you have planning commission document and recommendations, more clear, Weiss report spent a lot of time, provided professional judgment
Dan Is it appropriate to accept? three questions:
. making findings when we did not
.reliance on Weiss report
.language conclusion to finding of fact
Finally, some sound reasoning Bradley has had enough. Not appropriate to criticize other council members. We have been through Planning commission, taken public testimony, no need for micro managing, have done work on our own, clearly no views are blocked, testimony closed.
David Britton, Town attorney Planning Commission does Finding of Fact, up to Council to approve or reject. Council last line of review. Has gone through Planning Commission for Findings of Fact, we are OK.
Wayne, oh Wayne back to promenade. Must be completed prior to occupancy? No possibility, no way around?
Rob now part of master Development Plan. Whole site completed prior to occupancy.
Wayne requirement for fire protection?
Rob not part of Shoreline Development Plan, was part of SEPA approval, we have blank check on this.
Jim Washington State rating and services bureau will be here Wednesday for fire services. Law enforcement will come later.
Jane comes to us as staff recommendation, planning commission, finding of fact. Is confused on height and distance from shoreline.
Bruce Hopkins, Mayor, hard pressed to find fault with this.
Dan need different approach, massive scale violation.
7 pm ADJOURN Study session
Fresh Air break 10 minutes.
One hour! Seems like a rehash waste of time but believe me it was thorough and ready to go to Department of Ecology.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Monday January 5, 2005 at 7:10 pm
Ordinance No. 1275 - Silver Cloud Hotel substantial development permit
After formalities,
Dan problematic to deal with this now, findings of fact none checked to record by council, abdicating our responsibilities, leaving to Town planner, planning commission, we ourselves do not make finding of fact, council has obligation to go through findings, portion of hotel is withing 200 feet of shoreline, how much is within 200 feet?, not right to vote tonight. Subsidiary question, natural condition of land, will exceed 35 foot height limitation. How far will we go beyond? All council members should do what law requires.
Bradley statutes refer to average grade line, no view blocking of substantial number of residents. Point Ruston has overriding value to the public, has been off site for 100 years, gives public access and benefit to public. Has five view corridors, buildings at top additional 45 feet.
Gary only conceptual drawings available at this time.
Bradley findings of fact, planning commission hearing closed.
David record closed no more testimony.
Jane to vote we need clarification, wants to see elevations.
David FCIS addresses these issues.
Bruce no more discussion correct?
Jim calls for question (vote)
Dan aside whispers to Jane
VOTE TAKEN -
Jim Hedrick, Bradley Huson affirmative
Dan Albertson, Wayne Stebner vote NO
Jane Hunt abstains.
TIE BREAKER VOTE:
Bruce Hopkins mayor: No matter the amount of time I take I will vote the same. I am for hotel and the development.
Jane interrupts, told vote only.
Bruce continues, Have been through all this, have done evaluation. I respect the opinion of the Town Planner and the Planning Commission. I am voting affirmative, YES.
Done deal, one of the most significant developments in Northwest history is off the ground and running. Congratulations and one day we will write about the Ruston Three in history books if not erecting a statue. Job well done, resplendent in a huge step forward for the town of Ruston.
Will it save the town? Time will tell but a significant milestone has been passed!
Town of Ruston officials:
Mayor, Bruce Hopkins
Council, Bradley Huson
Council, Jim Hedrick
Council, Wayne Stebner
Council, Dan Albertson
Council, Jane Hunt
Attorney, David Britton
Planner, Rob White
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